25 years of shoreline cleanups in Canada, what’s next?
Session: 17. - Great Lakes Outreach and Education
Sarah Winterton, WWF-Canada, [email protected]
Susan Debreceni, Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, [email protected]
Abstract
Since 1994, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup has engaged more than 700,000 Canadians and removed over 1.2 million kg of litter through volunteer-led local shoreline cleanups. This national cleanup is a conservation partnership of Ocean Wise and WWF-Canada and is one of the largest direct action conservation programs in Canada. The Shoreline Cleanup began with a team of Vancouver Aquarium volunteers along the shorelines of Stanley Park and has grown to nearly 2,000 volunteer-led cleanups annually in every province and territory, with approximately 60,000 registrants in 2017 alone. Together, this national network contributes to healthy shorelines and waterways for everyone. Not only are these volunteers keeping shorelines clean and protecting local wildlife from the harmful impacts of litter, they are working towards long-term solutions by recording data on litter collected at each event. This important citizen science component adds a public education element, raising awareness and working towards the ultimate goal of waste prevention and proper waste management practices. 2018 marks an exciting time for the future as we celebrate our 25th year. We are now shifting our focus to the next 25 years and the role shoreline cleanups will play in reducing the threat of litter in aquatic ecosystems.
1. Keyword
outreach
2. Keyword
microplastics
3. Keyword
Great Lakes basin
4. Additional Keyword
Environmental Education
5. Additional Keyword
Citizen Science
6. Additional Keyword
Wildlife